Photojournal: Scary xmas decorations

Who thinks this is a festive xmas decoration???? Can you say Friday the 13th meets Jack Frost.....

Merry Xmas from Socal!

M
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Photojournal: damned chains

Didn't fit, then one broke. Here I am trying to fix it at a rest stop. Bad Karma to Les Schwab salespeople who sell the wrong sized chains to out-of-towners.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Chocolate hater: m&m World

This is Debora. She works at m&m World in lovely Las Vegas.

Why in the HELL was I there? That should be the first question out of your mouth.

Blame it on the kids. There is something so tantalizing about an entire store, 5 floors no less, chock full o'cheap chocolate. A marketer's candy-coated dream. Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.

So there we were, 4th of July fireworks ablaze outside, buying our tourists' share of "souvenirs". What a joke. Even my trademark attorney husband cringes at the sheer vulgarity of the ubiquitous "m&m", floor to ceiling, a wallpaper of rainbow happiness.

But that leads me to the focus of this little story. Debora.

As I pay for all my goodies, I can't help but inhale deeply, lost in the blissful current of warm chocolate air that magically pervades every orifice of m&m paradise. I mention to Debora, our check-out clerk, that it must be difficult to work in a place that smells so temptingly delicious. She coyly points out the small "fan" near the wall, innocently positioned for maximum coverage.

Yup. The evil machinations of our capitalistic society. The heavenly chocolate smell wafting through the store was artificially planted there to create a buying frenzy among indulgent parents and to induce insanity in those with weaker compositions.

So, Debora gets it. She used to LOVE chocolate, but after 4 months, eating all the free chocolate she could stand in the breakroom, forced to inhale chocolate particulates in the air for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, she now hates it.

She actually started this job wearing a size 16 and is now a size 12. Beats Jenny Craig.

Must See! PlanetHiltron

I admit that I love US Weekly.

It's that seedy, superficiality that's like a secret smoking habit, with telltale signs of addiction like yellow fingers and bad breath. I may not have TV, but I know every actor in all the hot shows, as well as what they wear, where they shop and whom they are dating.

Such embarrassing personality flaws must be embraced! Don't HIDE your copy of People magazine, flaunt it! Trust me, everyone has at least one disgusting vice.
Everyone.
Keep it in the open, and you appear trustworthy.

On that note, I must share the funniest website discovery:

www.PlanetHiltron.com

If you like celebs, you will love this site.

If you hate celebs, you will love it even more.

Pesticide Park

Aaaahhh, the splendor of the Great Outdoors. The majesty of our National Parks. Nature preserved for generations to come. Protected and poisoned.

Did you get a good look at the photo above???

On our last excursion through Utah's glorious Arches National Park, we happened upon this guy, in an official truck, strapping on the Poison-Pack to "clean up" the unsightly flora (and perhaps fauna?....who knows what other chemical delights were hidden in that truck) that besmirched the perfect landscape we all thought was God's design.

This was one of those amazing moments that jars the senses and begs to be photographed for posterity.

Neighborhood Crepes: Le Cote in Madison Valley

After a long day of skiing, nothing tastes bad.

That's the one caveat that accompanies this review, which is entirely favorable.

We spent the day at Steven's Pass, enjoying the perfect Winter Wonderland that puts all previous ski seasons to shame, and headed straight to our newest local restaurant, Le Cote.

It occupies the space that was previously St Germain, and has been reincarnated into a delightful, casual French creperie. According to our friendly and efficient server, one of the owners left the business, leaving the other to reinvent the theme. He also owns Voila, down the block.

The menu is radically different than St Germain, but thankfully retained that simple, yet elegant green salad with butter lettuce and slightly sweet shallot dressing. Sounds boring, tastes stupendous.

The crepes are buckwheat, bucking tradition, and are quite good, but the fillings are show-stoppers. Many choices are offered, but only a few without dairy (even the crepes have a tinge of cream), but what do you expect from the French?

I ordered the Ratatouille Crepe, which sounds weird and unappetizing, but was assured by the server that I would love it. She was right. The filling was rich and hearty, the perfect answer to a cold night. I can't wait to go back and have this again.

My daughter ordered the French Onion Soup, which was delicious with that perfect savory, sweet balance, though we were both not fond of the bread immersed in the broth. We each picked our way around it. This accompanied a cheese, egg, ham crepe, which was good, but FAR too much food for us.

Overall, I welcome a new restaurant into the mix in Madison Valley, and love the idea of a relatively inexpensive, friendly place that serves easy, quick food to please the whole family. Match that with beer and wine service and you've got yourself a regular!

(photo above taken with the iPhone)

Be Proactive for an Acne Solution

Jessica Simpson is lame and infomercials sell crap. We ALL know that.

Well, sometimes, even pigs fly.

Proactive Solution, the acne product that the Dumb Blonde pimps ACTUALLY WORKS.

I had seen it work first hand with a cousin in California who was miraculously transformed in high school, as well as a few other people I have known over the last few years, though not to the same extent. But you never really believe until you try it yourself.

I'm too old to get acne. Acne is for teenagers, kids going through adolescence, hormonal hell. Did someone say Hormones??? Try the first stage of menopause on for size.

Ok, that explains the hormonal issues, but whatever. Women my age just can't have acne. Period. It's un-American.

I'm not sure what happened, considering that I never had pimples even when I WAS an adolescent, so I was thunderstruck when my forehead and chin transformed overnight into a warpath of eruptions. Initially, I thought it might be an allergic reaction, but nothing had changed; no new products, no new foods, no new environment. Weird.

I tried washing my face twice a day instead of once, tried drinking more water, tried crushing an aspirin with water to add a little salicylic acid to my forehead....all to no avail. Of course, this led to wearing a hat to hide my "problem" which only served to exacerbate the acne. Daily, I swear I could feel my T-zone getting greasier and greasier. Ick.

If you can believe it, I endured this for 5 WEEKS. Finally, I hopped on the internet and searched for Proactive Solution.

The problem with ordering on this site, is they force you to sign up for this never-ending cycle of sending you product on a monthly/bimonthly basis. I don't want to sign in blood for life, just try the damned product, thank you very much. If there is a way to just buy the product one time without the membership, it wasn't entirely obvious.

Anyway, I've dealt with such membership issues before, and canceling becomes a ritual in frustration, so I fled this site and ordered from Amazon.com.

The product arrived a couple days later and I started it that night. Cleanser, Toner, Repairing Lotion. Simple and easy to use.

That night, I already felt a difference, but was cautious to be too optimistic.

The next morning, the diffence was pronounced. My skin felt much drier (which ironically, is my normal skin type) and the acne was no longer red and inflammed, and appeared to be healing.

By the second morning, the results were nothing short of astonishing. My acne was almost completely gone and the area was nearly smooth and blemish-free. I will admit that some skin discoloration remains because I scar easily, but this was to be expected according to the Proactiv website.

As far as ingredients go, I'm sure this is right up there with slathering your face in turpentine, but I'm too vain to embrace the acne. In this case, I am refusing to even research the ingredients.

Final word: Proactiv WORKS. Miracle in a bottle. I give it a 10 out of 10 for performance.

Faux Rocks Rock

Kids like rocks. Kids like to climb. Rather than fighting millions of years of evolution, embrace it! Don't tell them NOT to climb, but rather, teach them to EXCEL at it.

Check out Vertical World near Fisherman's Terminal, near the Ballard Bridge. The intro to climbing class is a great opportunity to learn the ropes, so to speak. They spend time teaching you how to climb safely, as well as how to belay, or secure another climber. The class is only $50 for non-members and includes a 2-week membership to practice your newly acquired skills.

Once you have that down, bring your little rugrats into the climbing gym for quality family time scrambling up 30-foot vertical walls. Your kids will think you're cool again, and your upper body will hate you for several days.

Just one more reason (of millions) to trash that TV and get out of the house!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Too Good To Be True??? MBT Shoes: One Woman's Tale

We've heard it all. Eat bacon, lose weight. Pyramid schemes make you rich. Cure baldness with a vibrating brush. Well, it will cure SOMETHING, anyway.

I always find it fascinating when otherwise intelligent, educated people fall prey to these illusory, sometimes fanatical ideas.

On the other hand, when I get a recommendation from a trusted source, I can't help but become infected with their enthusiasm, if not to buy in immediately, to at least spend some time researching its merits.

Thus, I found myself online, perusing the MBT site.

Basically, these look like running shoes for Frankenstein. I'd give them a low 2 of 10 for appearance. However, fashion is not the impetus for throwing down $250 for these shoes.

Here is what the website says:
1. Improved posture
2. 9% buttock muscle activity
3. 19% rear thigh muscle activity
4. 18% lower limbs activity
5. Increased abdominal activity
6. 19% DECREASE in hip and knee joints

How could I resist this temptation? I ran out and bought a pair the next day; white with bright orange stripes. Still ugly, but a meek attempt to look somewhat hip.....

First, the soles are uniquely designed, patented even, to create a fulcrum on which you balance as you walk or stand. What I found is that you can't stand perfectly still because you are literally constantly rocking back and forth on this point, which causes your leg muscles, all of 'em, to flex to balance. Yes, I know this sounds awkward, and it is initially, but not dangerous unless you are really, really uncoordinated and lame...in which case, you need more help than these shoes can offer.

For those of us who rise above that, then I can only say this: These shoes are the BOMB.

I wore them for a few months over the winter last year, trying to wear them as often as possible, which was generally during the day, running errands. After a week or so, I no longer noticed the unusual sole (which might be compared to walking in sand) and gradually overcame that feeling of mild fatigue and soreness at the end of each day. The GOOD sore, which is earned. I might also mention that my posture improved, which is an enormous benefit for me.

Within a couple weeks, I was actively rocking on my heels whenever I stood still, and get this, actually felt that I was getting the greatest benefit from these shoes while I was standing, rather than walking. I became addicted to that subtle rocking, as a mother does while holding a baby; you just can't stop.

So, what does this mean? Should neurotic rocking make people buy these shoes, or head for therapy? This reminds me of the article I read years ago about foot-shakers vs non-foot-shakers and the correlation with weight. But that's another story.....

The proof is in the pudding, as they say. After a long, brutal winter here in the Pacific Northwest, bundled with layer upon layer of fleece and down for many dark months, I finally emerged in the late spring with a pair of shorts on my pale legs for the first time. And guess what? I had muscle tone, VISIBLE muscle tone!

From running you ask? Nay! I'm not alone in burrowing indoors in the winter and avoiding exercise at all costs, and running was simply out of the question in the rain. I SWEAR that the only explanation is from wearing those MBTs.

Here is my advice: If you are going to buy them, go to a store that carries them. Try them on and walk around. I found that they run very small. There are several online companies that carry them, but you really should try them on first to be sure on size. I also purchased a pair of MBT sandals for a long roadtrip this summer. While they were far superior to regular sandals, the benefits described above were significantly diminished relative to the enclosed shoes. I'm not sure why, but suspect it's due to the reduced support around the foot.


Needless to say, I am a convert, an evangelist. People stop me all the time and ask me about them. Apparently the word is out. Effortless exercise....I'm all over it!

Cellphone Odyssey

For some, buying a new cellphone consists of looking through the ads, finding the best deal, perhaps grazing through the vast array of choices in the store, then signing on the dotted line. DONE!

For me, the process is nothing short of epic.

I have been addicted to Palm/Treo since the very first Palm Pilot released, back when the Motorola flip-phone was so Star Trek. Sure dates me.

Then, when the original Treo launched, I leapt at the idea of integrating all of life's necessities into one neat package, only to find that I was blazing through these fragile gadgets monthly, leaving a wake of technological destruction behind. Yet, I stayed the course.

Yes, Palm can call me nothing but loyal.

The problem is that the Palm OS (operating system), the guts of the Treo/Palm, is inherently more unstable than the competitors' operating systems. The benefit is the ability for third-party software developers to create some fantastic, useful software to increase productivity and function, far beyond its original format. Hence, my addiction to the ever-fabulous Datebook 5 calendaring system that ROCKS. You load this on, and suddenly your calendar becomes a work of art, a tool beyond compare. I can wax poetic for hours on this software because I literally use it constantly throughout the day, reveling in time management nirvana.

So what's the problem? Why forsake such bliss?

As with everything, there exists that dichotomy in life, the yin must have its yang, even with cellphones.

The Treo sucks. There, I said it. I love it, but I hate it. The beauty of that third party software, ironically, is what corrupts the OS, creating a web of endless, intermittent cellphone Hell.

Imagine the phone ringing, but nothing, NOTHING, works to answer that call. The system is frozen, you have been awaiting this call for hours, and NADA. But it only happens a couple times per day, so do you live with that? Add on the fact that while texting (does this make me an honorary member of Gen-Y?) the damned phone crashes, or freezes, or both. Now, you have only a couple problems, do you give up now, even though that calendar really IS so colorful? OK, the final straw, the phone is charged, but won't turn on until you press every button at least 4 times, and after a few minutes, it just turns on spontaneously. Yes.....THAT...IS...IT.

I have deliberated this decision in my mind for a few years, always considering defecting and going with another system. There is Blackberry, and of course, the Microsoft OS. It hasn't really been an issue because I'm a Mac-gal, and the Blackberries didn't synch with a Mac until recently. And the Microsoft OS, well, that's obvious. Read any review out there and while the Microsoft system will eventually be on par with the best, it currently is not great.

So, this week was Test-Drive week. I tried the Blackberry 8830 from Verizon, the carrier I have had for about a year and a half and love; ; the iPhone from ATT; and the Blackberry Curve from T-Mobile. Here is what I have learned:

The Blackberry 8830 is a gorgeous piece of technology, sturdy in the hand, elegantly designed, high on function. It has a bigger surface area on the face than the Treo 700p, but is much slimmer and more streamlined. The Qwerty keyboard is well-spaced and easy to use, though the keys require more force to depress, which is carpel-tunnel-style inconvenience. The phone is equipped to travel abroad, with an optional SIM card, but requires a call to Verizon to change the plan prior to travel. Overall, a relatively smooth transition and full of excellent, useful features, which are generally self-explanatory. It boasts a Help feature that explains, in detail, most questions.

LOVE this phone, but found that the lack of a camera is unacceptable for my lifestyle. Designed for business use, most people who purchase this phone won't miss this feature, but despite carrying two other cameras everywhere with me, I use the phone camera and send pictures constantly. The resolution and quality on the Treo wasn't good, but for taking photos on the fly of the kids and sending them instantly to Grandma, it is truly priceless.

The other negative was the size. I found that holding the phone, depressing keys with one hand was uncomfortable as the face was just slightly too large. So, one down.

On to the iPhone. Aaaahhhh...the piece de resistance! Talk about GORgeous. It feels good in the hand, looks sexy as an accessory, generates that wave of envy like a green shockwave. That cache is hard to decline. I was desperate to LOVE this phone.....

In a word, the iPhone is SIMPLE. No manual required because the functions are clean and intuitive. Coordinates with any color scheme, particularly when tanned limbs and tight designer jeans are involved. This is the perfect phone for men in the throes of midlife crisis, hipster Facebook addicts, and anyone whose cellphone needs are limited to personal rather than business. Most executives are probably willing to forgo the killer camera and built-in YouTube setting.

Exhale. I know you were waiting with bated breath to hear me sing praises for the iPhone, but no can do. It just doesn't work for someone who depends heavily on an efficient, customizable calendar, multiple reminder settings, integrated to-do list, and ENJOYS a complicated set of features.

Onward and upward, I say!

Finally, the Blackberry Curve. For me, this phone is a Grand Slam.

The size is perfect. It is smaller and MUCH lighter than the Blackberry 8830 or the Treo, or even the iPhone for that matter.

Lighter, however, also feels a bit CHEAPER, as the handset has this plastic-y sensation without the sturdy heft like the others, with a slightly looser keyboard . However, after using it for a while, I grew to appreciate the minimized weight and smaller profile. For one thing, it feels very comfortable in my hand and allows one-handed operation when necessary. The Qwerty keyboard is also slightly different than its 8830 cousin. The keys are separated and FAR easier to depress, making typing smoother and effortless.

From a functional standpoint, I am sold. The Blackberry may not have any third-party software available to accommodate my lust for complex calendaring, but its standard calendar is good, albeit plain. It does allow for quite a bit of customizing on the sounds/ringers for various functions, such as new text alert, new message alert, calendar alarm, individualized rings for phone numbers along with accompanying photos, etc. The To-Do list is integrated into the calendar, with alarms, though lacking the ability to snooze or delay easily. And don't forget the mini-SD memory card to store photos, music, audiobooks, etc. A convenient feature lacking in the iPhone.

Like the Blackberry 8830, this phone is ready to travel abroad, and with T-Mobile, it is truly seamless. Step off the plane and the phone works. Voila! You even have the option of unlocking the phone (after being with the carrier for three months) and purchasing a local SIM card to allow your calls made while traveling to be charged at local rates. Nice.

Finally, the camera, the feature that was lacking on the 8830. I do not exaggerate when I say that the photos are pretty damned good. A 2.0 megapixel camera WITH flash, if you can believe it, and the images are crisp and clean with decent color saturation and depth. I'm impressed.

On the downside, and there had to be at least one, the sound quality is mediocre. When Verizon advertises that they have the best, I can vouch from experience that it's true!

Secondly, that GSM network (both T-Mobile and ATT use this) is much slower than the EV-DO network used by Verizon. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it does slow down your internet access significantly and makes simple tasks, such as Mapquest, almost unbearable. However, all things considered, the Curve with T-Mobile is still light-years better than my Treo misery, so I'm giving it the green light.

After doing some research, according to JD Powers and Associates, T-Mobile gets the highest Customer Service rating of any of the carriers (with Verizon also scoring very high). For most people, customer service probably isn't high on the list of priorities, but for someone like me, who radiates a destructive electromagnetic force, product replacement with a cheerful attitude is my #1 requirement.

To port (transfer) my old cellphone number from Verizon to T-Mobile, I will have to pay a pro-rated termination fee of $105. I considered all other options, but ultimately decided the convenience of continuity was worth it.

Incidentally, it is important to know that Verizon allows customers the opportunity to try a phone for a full 30 day trial, T-Mobile allows 20 days, and ATT allows 14 days, with a 10% restocking fee for the iPhone. Keep this in mind if you want to do your own Test-Drive.

In the end, I am pleased with my new Blackberry Curve, am THRILLED to be rid of the Treo and all of its inbred Palm cousins, though no one is more pleased than my husband, who had forbidden my screaming tirades over my Treo "issues". Of course, it may be wishful thinking to assume that my phone problems are over.......

2/2/08:
I have now returned my phone rejects and have ported over my cellphone number from Verizon to T-Mobile. I am happy with the Blackberry Curve, but have to admit that I'm experiencing some minor defects with the phone. Sometimes the speakerphone won't turn off, and often the shortcuts don't work. I plan to go on Monday and exchange my phone for a new duplicate.

I also have to put in my two cents here on the service. The stores are disorganized and slow, with 2-3 customer service bays, but no system to funnel customers in an orderly and equitable fashion. Over the phone, the T-Mobile customer service is quite good, but in no way have my dealings with this company come close to the excellence at Verizon. Even returning my Blackberry reject was handled with professionalism and a warm confidence that I would someday return.

They are probably right.

On Death Row: McCormick's Fish House 4th Ave

Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad.

I hadn't been to this place in several years. Not that I had heard anything particularly unsavory about it, but there are so many great options in Seattle that I'm loathe to revisit restaurants that don't positively captivate me.

So, we made reservations, packed up the kids, and headed downtown to the Columbia Tower.

First off, the place was relatively deserted. Mind you, it's a Monday and a holiday, but that's generally not a good sign. On the other hand, I would expect stellar service, no excuses.

With two adults and two hungry young kids, we started off with Crab and Shrimp Cakes. The big hint should have been the SHRIMP in the cakes, which cheapens the dish and lends that muffled mealiness to the texture...or was that just the overzealous addition of breadcrumbs as filler. Either way, bland and pasty would describe it nicely.

The kids also wanted Fried Calamari, which is one of those consistently decent dishes everywhere you go. This was no exception. The flavor was fine, breading light and flavorful, though a bit lukewarm upon arrival.

We all ordered salmon for dinner, prepared in a variety of ways. All were decent, albeit a tad oversalted, but certainly edible with excellent fish. All the sides were somewhat lukewarm, which is again, something I wouldn't expect on an extremely slow night.

So, in a nutshell, the food is decent. What absolutely turned me OFF to this place was the SERVICE. It is the WORST.

The server was old-school, like he came from NY and was top-notch back in the 70's, decided to stick with that look (hair swept back and sprayed, matching moustache) and freeze that attitude. Well, buddy, times have changed.

My friend has severe food allergies and asked for the fish plain, with no sauces and no sides. She also asked for no dressing on her salad. Perhaps it was not communicated as effectively as possible, but no big deal, right? WRONG. This guy acted so damned PUT OUT, responding with this unbearably condescending tone. And that was just the beginning. He continued to use this patronizing attitude throughout our dinner, accompanied by this ever-so-subtle sigh.

Don't SIGH at me...ever.

You will hear me say this all the time...with restaurants, the goal is the trifecta: Food, Price and Service, with Service being the highest priority. In this case, the price was moderately high, the food mediocre and the service deplorable.

Needless to say, I did speak to the manager at the end of our meal. He apologized profusely, of course, but no amount of bribery, including the proffered gift cards for a free meal, could make me walk through those doors again.

This place sucks. Avoid it like the plague. Go to the Waterfront Seafood Grill on Pier 70 instead.

Coca Cola: Crack in a Can

Nothing really beats the sensation....that first crack of an ice-cold can liberating a burst of tinkling effervescence, and that unique, factory-manufactured Coke fragrance. Aaaahhhh....better living through chemistry, I say!

There are times in life, when nothing else will do. Morning sickness; a hot, grumpy day; a throbbing headache. Something about Coke; perhaps it's just the comforting goodness of that red can and ageless white logo, beckoning with memories of youth. It's pure evil.

Ever looked at the Nutritional Content of a single can? Avoid it at all costs! Nothing spoils your enjoyment of something delicious and satisfying more than the TRUTH, goddamn it.

Okay, dream over. Time to get real and face the facts. Here's what happens when you drink one of our beloved All-American beverages:

• In The First 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
• 20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
• 40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
• 45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
• >60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
• >60 Minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
• >60 minutes: As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.

There you have it. An avalanche of delicious destruction in a single can. Full throttle in just minutes. Wow.

(Information taken from the Nutrition Research Center http://www.nutritionresearchcenter.org/healthnews/)

Neighborhood Gem: Central Cinema

I'm torn between shouting from the rooftops and keeping this my own little secret.....

Being the GIVER that I am......

The best Date Night Destination for parents who can't stay up late enough to see a movie AND go out to dinner on the same night. You know who you are.

Lucky for you, there is this perfect little gem, right in the neighborhood, where Cuisine and Convenience intersect with Entertainment and Alcohol. This tantalizing combination of all things Good, resides far from the mayhem of the hip bar scenes, with free street parking and is just bursting with that local feel, we Seattleites treasure.

Tonight we decided to hit the theater with the kids to watch this old, animated flick, The Iron Giant. Didn't know a thing about the movie, other than its rating, and had no expectations about the movie theater.

What we found was a revelation. Rows of diner-style booth seating, fitted with tables, all facing forward, complemented by rows of lecture-hall seats (with those weird side tables that swing up for taking notes) in the Over 21 section in the back.

Hungry? The menu was good, with a strong selection of salads, sandwiches and snacks, including some vegan options. Popcorn with real butter!! Desserts included pies, ice cream and lemon creme brulee. NOT your typical movie theater slop.

Could it get any better? Try beer and wine, served to your table! After a cold Mac & Jacks, hot, buttered popcorn, edamame and a tofu-pig-in-a-blanket, we were in love. Pile on the fact that the movie was only $5 per person. Deal!

Feb 9, the Matrix is playing, and we plan to be there! Care to join us?

http://www.central-cinema.com/

Free Annual Credit Report

Ooops, forgot to pay your bills before vacation? Mortgage payment lost in the mail? Identity theft??

Admittedly, my M.O. for years, much to my husband's dismay, was to put the bills "someplace safe" and pay them whenever the envelopes started arriving in primary colors. You know what I mean...the YELLOW envelope with RED print is BAD.

That's when I would thrash through my piles of junkmail, books, kids' artwork, receipts, catalogues, winnowing out the official-looking envelopes, and setting aside everything in life to salvage the heat in the house. Feeling this overwhelming sense of accomplishment when the deed was done, I would always wonder why I waited so long..... (more on therapy for procrastinitis once I master it).

In case you are not PERFECT (you obsessive-compulsive types know who you are), then I strongly recommend checking your credit report annually. It's free and quite often, very revealing. Best of all, it's less embarrassing to clean up your mistakes before your mortgage broker breaks the bad news to you.

https://www.annualcreditreport.com

It's free once per year and only takes about 5 minutes to do. With all the identity scares in the news, do yourself a favor and stay on top of this.

Women's Health: Ovarian Cancer

I receive random emails daily from concerned friends who pass along bogus information regarding computer viruses, Amber alerts, and other such scares. Generally, a quick check on Snopes.com determines their veracity in under a minute (Note: verify before spamming your friends!).

However, the email that is circulating on Ovarian Cancer is valid, and I included the information I found from the NIH below. Please do read this information, as it could save your life or someone you love.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Below is information gathered directly from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) website:

A woman has a 1 in 67 chance of developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.

The cause is unknown.

Older women are at highest risk. About two-thirds of the deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older. About 25% of ovarian cancer deaths occur in women between 35 and 54 years of age.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague and non-specific, so women and doctors often blame the symptoms on other, more common conditions. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries.

Symptoms

• Sense of pelvic heaviness
• Vague lower abdominal discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding
• Weight gain or loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
• Increased abdominal girth
• Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms:
  • Increased gas
  • Indigestion
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Inability to ingest usual volumes of food
  • Bloating

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Excessive hair growth

There may be no symptoms until late in the disease.

Signs and tests

A physical examination may reveal increased abdominal girth and ascites (fluid within the abdominal cavity). A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian or abdominal mass.

Tests include:

• CBC
• Blood chemistry
• CA125 *****
  
• Quantitative serum HCG (blood pregnancy test)
• Alpha fetoprotein
• Urinalysis
• GI series
• Exploratory laparotomy
• Ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan or MRI of abdomen

Sunblock Dilemma

As you know, sunblock is one of my neurotic passions.

I admit that I never walk through a cosmetic aisle without hungrily eyeing the newest and latest sunblocks, scouring the ingredient lists, sampling the tubes. As a result, I am the proud owner of the largest collection of "natural" sunblocks in the world. Call me a connoisseur.

NOT to say that I don't appreciate the limited value of the sun's rays on bare skin, and the benefits of Vitamin D, along with the whole AMA guideline/skin cancer controversy, etc. Blah, blah, blah.

Whatever. Call me superficial, but skin cancer I can deal with, looking old, I cannot. Wrinkles, age spots and freckles: BE GONE!!! (more on this subject later)

So, although admittedly we all look better with a slight tan, it's best to limit sun exposure to 20 minutes on the legs and forearms, and try to avoid the face, which shows sun damage easily, by covering with a hat whenever possible and using a good sunblock EVERY SINGLE DAY!! Girls, just DO it. No excuses. Save your faces.

Back to my dilemma. I thought I had the best product nailed, as it was a natural product, without harsh chemicals, provided barrier UVA and UVB protection in the form of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and most importantly, didn't leave a ghostly white residue on my face. I want to look pale and luminous, not dead.

Unfortunately, I have a lot more research to do. I recently discovered the controversy over the safety of microfine nanoparticles of zinc oxide, and whether it can actually help to CAUSE damage to the DNA......sigh.

Anyway, thought I'd post this so y'all know that I'm on it.

In the meantime, I have gone back to the Face sunblock from Lavera and am embracing my inner zombie.

Rant! Rip-Off Roofers

Damatra Roofing SUCKS.

Aaahhh... the sweet satisfaction of a public forum from which to shout my curses from the top of the internet mountain for the world to hear!

Of course, we go back to the old "if a tree falls in a forest" dilemma......

Regardless, I feel physically compelled to forbid anyone I even remotely like from patronizing this business. Unethical, rude, scam-artists, camouflaged with a business license. That about sums it up, folks.

Here's my story:

We bought this house and were told we needed to replace half the roof, as the other half was recently redone (according to the previous owner). Damatra comes out, slaps on another layer of composite, and doesn't bother to tell us that there is no plywood sheathing base (the solid wood layer to which the shingles are nailed). For a professional roofing company, this is an inexcusable oversight.

The NEXT rainstorm, we have water literally pouring down our walls and soaking into all our ceilings, bubbling the paint and crumbling the plaster.

When we called Damatra in distress, they come out, tell us that the problem is the missing plywood sheathing (duh), and the only way to remedy this is to tear off all the roofing (including the one they just finished), add a layer of plywood, and finish with a new layer of shingles.

Do they offer us any compensation for the previous error? Of course not. Blindly, and soaking wet, we accept their generous offer to do all this at full price. I am ashamed to admit that we desperately allowed ourselves to be used and abused on this one....pitiful.

There is a special place in hell for scheisters like this....

Bella Cosa Foods: Wallingford ****

Good things come in small packages...

Bella Cosa Foods: a diminutive gourmet food lover's paradise.

It's rare to find a neighborhood store that carries such delights as Fizzy Lizzy soft drinks alongside Arugula, Pinenut Pesto. The cheese selection is amazing, albeit small. The long, narrow space lends itself nicely to a cozy, friendly environment where the service is top-notch.

Hungry? Check out the dining area in the very back where you can relax and casually eat from a marvelous selection of panini sandwiches.

Burnt Sugar: Fremont *****

Burnt Sugar

FAVORITE store in Seattle. Period.

Gifts Galore.
Purse Perfection.
Best Books.
Maaahvelous Makeup.
Ass-kicking Accessories.
Great Games.
Cool Computer-bags.
Shoes for Sure.
Stellar Service.
Word.

Oh! Chocolate....Food of the Gods ****

Dream this.

Warm, genuine greeting from a third generation chocolatier.
Immaculately clean, inviting atmosphere
Free samples every time you venture in.
Delectable chocolates to suit your every mood.
Exquisite, hand-made jewels of perfection.
Hot, creamy chocolate drink not found anywhere else outside Italy.
Gift boxes graciously wrapped.

NOT a dream! Oh Chocolate is ALIVE!

Go visit Margot, the owner, and you will not be sorry.

Try the hot, chocolate drink, and prepare yourself for the most orgasmic chocolate experience ever.

Snow!

Surprise, surprise, surprise.

After a roof-crushing hail storm, we were blessed with a thick blanket of white within an hour. The kids and dogs, itching to get out and play, bundled up and raced out into the hushed darkness, crunching slightly on the hail substrata, and launched into a take-no-prisoners snowball fight! Whahoooo!!

It's dark, it's late, and it's cold. But with fresh snow in Seattle, you have no choice but to ENJOY!!

Several snow angels and one lopsided snowman later, we retreated back into the house soaking wet with flushed cheeks and glowing grins, and hopped into a steaming bath. Aaahhh... Now THAT"S the way to end a crazy day!

Soapbox!

What's an opinionated Girl supposed to do? Keep my mouth shut and deny millions of people access to my prodigious wealth of knowledge?

I think not.

Who am I? Just your average Mamma, with two kids, two dogs, an interesting life and an ungodly obsession with certain quirky things in life. Sunblock for one. Electronics for another. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg.....

My goal is to share the latest research and pearls of wisdom as I discover them. The best restaurants, the best plumber, the best camera on a budget. You name it, we'll cover it. I'm not just a Girl-about-town, I'm a Girl-about-town with a penchant for spreading the WORD.